MacBook Pro 2016 release date, news and rumors

MacBook Pro 2016 release date, news and rumors

Update: OS X 10.12, presumably the operating system used by the 2016 MacBook Pro, has been revealed as macOS Sierra. Read on to find out more!

Apple's MacBook Pro range hasn't been updated for some time: the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina was refreshed in March 2015 and the 15-inch in May. New MacBook Pros are clearly imminent. The biggest change is likely to be in the Pros' processors, and while there are rumours of detachable touchscreens we'd take them with a hefty pinch of salt. Let's sift through the river of rumors to find nuggets of knowledge: what can we really expect from the 2016 MacBook Pro refresh? Also check out our MacBook Air 2016 release date, news and rumors article.

Cut to the chase.

• What is it? The next generation of Apple's professional notebook.
• When is it out? Q4 2016 is most likely.
• What will it cost? Likely £899 (around $1,264/AUS$1,670) upwards.
• MacBook Pro 2016 release date.

We expected to see the new MacBook Pro 2016 at Apple's annual developer event, WWDC, this June. However, many outlets are reporting that this year's conference will focus primarily on introducing new software updates rather than hardware. So while the new MacBook Pro might catch a mention, it's likely to take a backseat to iOS and OS X amendments.

According to one report by DigiTimes, Apple is gearing up to release new 13- and 15-inch MacBooks in the second half of 2016, specifically the last quarter. It reckons they will feature hinges produced using a mechanism called 'metal injection molding'.

Said to be inspired by Microsoft's Surface Pro line of devices, the hinges are apparently being manufactured by Ampenol, who makes hinges for Microsoft's convertible tablet. These hinges have purportedly begun shipment for the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Meanwhile, the 15-inch model's hinges are set to arrive in the third quarter of the year, making the Q4 2016 release window argument even more convincing.

Reports suggest that the new slim MacBooks will feature a quadruplet of USB-C ports, two on each side. The 2016 MacBook Pros (and perhaps the next MacBook Airs) may even arrive in arrangement of new color variants, akin to its 12-inch sibling, including Gold, Space Gray and Rose Gold.